Published on YouTube on Mar 22, 2016
President Obama and President Raul Castro of Cuba held a joint press conference at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, Cuba on March 21, 2016.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
President Obama and President Raul Castro of Cuba Hold a Joint Press Conference
President Obama and President Raul Castro of Cuba held a joint press conference at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, Cuba on March 21, 2016.
Homeland Security and U.S. Public Transportation Safety
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) talked about homeland security
measures to protect the public transportation infrastructure in the wake
of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Donald Trump, Andrew Cuomo and Company
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
You should know that in Hato Tejas,
Bayamón, Puerto Rico, where I was born and grew up, there was a saying
that goes like this: “Actions speak louder than words.”
It is important for you to know that Hispanics remain as a discriminated group and the lowest on the pyramid in regard to the unemployment appointment rate in the New York State’s government offices.
For the past few years, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, has been documenting facts and submitting legislation specifically geared to ending every roadblock that sits in the way of Hispanics, so Hispanics can have good employment opportunities and be hired in Executive Offices such as the Office of the Governor, the Comptroller, and the Attorney General.
It is very important for you to know that the employment record of Hispanics in the New York Governor’s Office is abysmal.
Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has been our Governor for the past seven years, along with Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, have had many opportunities to demonstrate their actions and to show how really serious and honest they are when they talk about how much they value New York’s Hispanic community.
Lately, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has publicly started a campaign of criticism with respect to the employment opportunities that are denied to our community in the different government agencies in New York State.
While all this is taking place, we are confronted by a national Presidential Campaign, where a Republican Candidate, Mr. Donald Trump, has gotten himself into trouble with Hispanics because of the words he used in regard to the Mexican community.
Mr. Trump has been criticized, judged, attacked, lambasted and rejected because of the words he used to express himself.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has joined the criticism of Donald Trump and shown his support for people who call Donald Trump anti-Hispanic, a racist, and discriminatory.
My dear reader, I do not condone the words used by Donald Trump, but I have to compare the employment record of Donald Trump with the employment record of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and many of the high power elected officials in New York State.
On one side, we have Donald Trump, who hurt us with his words, but employs thousands and thousands of Hispanics. Thousands of Hispanics that can support their families because of Donald Trump.
Let’s compare him to Governor Andrew Cuomo, who speaks highly of us and gives Hispanics words of praise, but in seven years, has failed to open the doors of the government agencies that he oversees to employ Hispanics.
Governor Andrew Cuomo, along with Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman speak so highly of Hispanics and make Hispanics feel good, but they give us minimal job opportunities.
Others, like Donald Trump, who hurt us with their words, give us many opportunities to earn our daily bread and be able to support our families.
You should know that after seven years, Governor Andrew Cuomo has created a Commission to study why Hispanics have not been employable in New York State’s government.
Members of the Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion include Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chairman of the Somos el Futuro Conference and Assemblyman Nick Perry, Chair of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus.
I hope that this Commission can do a good job and help the Governor to understand what we all know and what is common knowledge: Hispanics have not been given employment opportunities in New York State government agencies because words have not been put into action.
This could very well be another one of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s places to show how much he loves us.
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope that this Commission will put Governor Andrew Cuomo’s words into action and employ more Hispanics in his Administration, in the Office of the Comptroller, and in the Office of the Attorney General, because as I have said before: “Actions speak louder than words.”
I am Senator Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
Sanders Wins Idaho and Utah While Clinton and Trump Take Arizona
Tuesday's primaries and caucuses were a mixed bag as Sen. Bernie
Sanders took two states — Idaho and Utah — to Hillary Clinton's lone win
in Arizona, and Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz split the Republican
races in Arizona and Utah respectively, NBC News projects.
The western state primaries represented another
step in efforts to amass support in the race to the nomination, with
both Trump and Clinton hoping that they may tally an outright majority
of their party's respective delegates before the summer conventions get
contentious.
But Cruz and Sanders both got some good news
that can help stall the momentum each of their rivals have received with
recent wins.
Click here for the full article.
First Read's Morning Clips: Jeb Bush Endorses Cruz
OFF TO THE RACES: Jeb Bush endorses Cruz
Breaking overnight: Jeb Bush is endorsing Ted
Cruz, calling him a "a consistent, principled conservative who has
demonstrated the ability to appeal to voters and win primary contests."
More from POLITICO,
which broke the story: "Bush and Cruz sealed the endorsement agreement
with a phone call on Monday. "They have kept in touch over the last few
weeks and Senator Cruz has been diligent about keeping Governor Bush up
to date on his campaign," a source close to Bush said. The source said
Bush "will actively support Senator Cruz's bid," but has not yet agreed
to a joint appearance with Cruz, or to headline a fundraiser for him."
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Unlocking The Power of The 'Sista' Vote is More Complex Than You Think
As the 2016 presidential primaries and caucuses continue across
America (Arizona, Idaho and Utah all have contests on Tuesday), there's
no shortage of polls and pundits trying to predict which group of voters
can help their candidate win the White House.
But there's one demographic with a proven track
record of strong voter turnout, and growing influence as a formidable
voting bloc: African-American women.
In some circles, it's been dubbed the "sista" vote.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that 76
percent of Black women were registered to vote in 2012 -- more than any
other gender, race and ethnicity in the country.
Moreover, Black women have led the nation in
voting in the past two presidential elections, with the Center for
American Progress noting that the group voted in 2012 at a higher rate
(70 percent) than any other Americans.
Meanwhile, a newly released report from the Black Women's Roundtable — the 4th annual Black Women in the United States 2016 Report, suggests that African American women are already helping shape the 2016 election.
Click here for the full article.
Fifth Person Dies as Ebola Comes Back to Guinea
A fifth person has died of Ebola in southeast
Guinea since March 17, a health official told Reuters on Tuesday,
raising concerns that a recent flare-up of the deadly virus could spread.
The latest case was detected in Macenta
prefecture, about 200 kilometers from the village of Korokpara where the
four other recent Ebola-related deaths occurred, said Fode Sylla Tass,
spokesman for National Coordination of the Fight against Ebola in
Guinea.
The man, who has not been identified, had
recently visited Korokpara and had been in direct contact with the first
patients, Tass said. He was buried in the village of Makoidou without
any sanitary precautions.
Click here for summary.
Source: NBC News
Vietnam Political Bloggers Jailed for ‘Abusing Freedom’ – Lawyer
Blogger Nguyen Huu Vinh
Reuters, 23/03 13:27 CET
HANOI (Reuters) – Vietnam jailed a
well-known political blogger and his assistant on Wednesday for abusing
democratic freedom, their lawyer said, in a verdict that stirred public
interest and a mix of concern and criticism from rights groups and the
United States.
Blogger Nguyen Huu Vinh and assistant Nguyen Thi Minh
Thuy were imprisoned for five and three years respectively for posts
that a Hanoi court said were abuses of their freedom and infringements
upon state interests. Both had denied any connection with the blogs.
Vietnam has been widely rebuked for its tough moves to
curb online dissent as public appetite for the Internet soars and Web
users turn to blogs to read about issues that state-controlled media
avoids.
Lawyer Ha Huy Son said the ruling was unfair and the pair would likely appeal.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
‘Memory Wound’ Memorial to Victims of Mass Killer Breivik Divides Norwegians
Reuters, 23/03 13:12 CET
By Gladys Fouche
OSLO (Reuters) – A memorial to
the victims of Norwegian mass killer Anders Behring Breivik is dividing
those affected by his attacks, with some suing the government to stop
its construction and others welcoming it as a place where they can
grieve.
In the same week that Breivik was suing the Norwegian
state over his prison conditions, the government said it would go ahead
with the construction of the memorial.
Called “Memory Wound”, the design is for a 3.5-metre (3.8
yard) gash in the peninsula facing Utoeya Island, where Breivik shot
dead 69 Labour Party youth activists on July 22, 2011.
Before the shooting, the Nazi militant also planted a car bomb outside the prime minister’s office in Oslo, killing eight.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
Arrest Made in Brussels Bombing Inquiry
More details are due to be given about the hunt for those who carried out yesterday’s bombings in Brussels.
It was reported earlier that main suspect Najim Laachraoui had been arrested in Anderlecht.
It is not clear yet if this is the case.
It is alleged Laachraoui was the third man seen with two suspected suicide bombers on CCTV footage at Brussels airport shortly before the attacks yesterday morning.
The suicide bombers were named as brothers Khalid and Brahim El Bakraoui.
Note: This is a breaking news story, so visit Euronews for updates.
Muslim Community Fears Tension After Brussels Attacks
People living and working in Brussels are trying to get back to normal in a city on alert.
The Brussels metro system has partially re-opened after Tuesday’s
attacks. But for some travellers, it may be an option they are now
looking to avoid.
Cars have also returned to the European district, but the main international airport remained closed on Wednesday.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
President Obama's Address to the Cuban People
President Obama delivers remarks to the Cuban people. The president
begins his remarks by addressing the terrorist attacks in Brussels,
Belgium.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
Oval Office Chat: Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium
President Obama
spoke today by phone with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel to
offer his condolences on behalf of the American people following today’s
horrific terrorist attacks in
Brussels. The President reaffirmed the steadfast support of the United
States for Belgium, and offered any assistance necessary in
investigating these attacks and bringing those responsible to justice.
The President reiterated that the United States stands
together with the people of Belgium, as well as NATO and the European
Union, and once again pledged the full cooperation and support of the
United States in our shared commitment to defeat the scourge of
terrorism.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Coaliton of Non-Profits Rally for Funded Increased Minimum Wage at State Capitol
ALBANY, NY– #15andFunding, a coalition of more than 80 organizations representing human
services and Medicaid-funded nonprofit workers across New York, today gathered at the
State Capitol to voice their support for establishing a $15
minimum wage for all New Yorkers, with necessary funding to support the
nonprofit workforce. The coalition also called for opponents to stop
using nonprofits as scapegoats for maintaining the
status quo of low wages.
These organizations deliver essential services on
behalf of government, but despite the clear importance of the function
they provide, the members of this workforce increasingly find themselves
in the very same position as their clients—
in need of social service assistance to provide for their families.
Throughout New York State, this sector employs nearly 870,000 workers,
and nearly half—420,000—would benefit from an increase in the minimum
wage to $15 per hour. Nonprofits believe in a fair
minimum wage both for their own workers, and for the communities they
serve.
The coalition applauded the New York Assembly’s
budget proposal, which includes $200 million to fund this wage increase
for nonprofit organizations operating under state contracts and Medicaid
reimbursements, in order to ensure that they
can recruit and retain quality staff and avoid a decline in service
levels and quality.
"As the minimum wage battle continues to heat up in
the halls of Albany, the non-profit community wants to make it clear
that we support an increase in wages for both the people we serve and
our staffs. We don't want anyone to suggest that
NYS shouldn't raise the wage because of the non-profit sector.
Nonprofit workers provide a vast range of essential public services
caring for people who rely on their skills, commitment and compassion.
These workers, their families, and the people they serve
deserve a $15 minimum wage, and expect the state to provide the funding
to ensure a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.” -Ron Deutsch, Executive Director, Fiscal Policy Institute
“These organizations are critical to building strong communities and helping individuals reach their full human potential, but
their work is hindered by the lack of a living wage.
We support the minimum wage increase for both our workers and for the communities we serve.” -Michelle Jackson, Associate Director and General Counsel, Human Services Council
“Despite a growing statewide coalition of human
services and Medicaid-funded nonprofits actively supporting a minimum
wage increase to $15 for all New Yorkers, opponents of the increased
wage are shamefully using the nonprofit sector to
justify a continuation of stagnant wages. Raising the minimum wage to
$15 per hour with funding for the increased wage for workers employed by
nonprofits performing government functions are both desired goals of
the nonprofit human services and Medicaid-funded
services sector. These nonprofit workers are an extension of the New
York State government’s workforce, and they perform critical roles in
our economy and in the communities they serve.” -Jennifer Jones Austin, Executive Director and CEO, Federation of
Protestant Welfare Agencies
"Many workers in the not-for-profit sector provide
services that the State is obligated under law to provide but at lower
cost. I am a strong supporter of raising the minimum wage. Our economy
needs it. But, at the same time, we need
to make sure that the State increases its reimbursement rates so these
not-for-profits can continue to operate and provide much needed human
services." –
New York State Assemblyman Phil Steck
“Human services and direct care providers see the
impact of low wages every day in their work. In many cases, those
working to alleviate the negative consequences of poverty, are
themselves living paycheck to paycheck or relying on public
assistance to meet their basic needs. Low wages can result in
homelessness, food insecurity, and a variety of other challenges both
for workers in the sector and for the clients they serve. Raising and
funding the minimum wage greatly assists nonprofits’ ability
to continue their important front-line work within communities across
the state.” –
New York State Assemblyman Hevesi
"It’s ridiculous that we might fail to raise the
minimum wage because we refuse to increase funding for vital nonprofits –
we can and must do both. The tireless workers in New York’s nonprofit
sector serve some of our most vulnerable neighbors,
and they deserve a living wage. Pitting those who need services against
workers who provide those services is a false choice. New York’s
working families need a $15 minimum wage, and New York’s social health
and human service providers need additional government
support to continue to perform their critical functions." –New York State Senator Liz Krueger
“With
state funding to underwrite it, the adoption of a minimum wage of $15
for employees of nonprofits under contract with the state, as well as
for Medicaid workers whose salaries are overwhelmingly
paid for by the state, is absolutely essential. These workers are
performing invaluable, essential human services in each of our
communities. So we must ensure that they can afford to continue doing so
— by being compensated with a livable minimum wage.” –New
York State Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda
Source: The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies
House Republican Leadership News Conference
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and other members of House Republican
leadership spoke with reporters on a range of issues, including the
terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
Senator Charles Schumer Meeting with Judge Merrick Garland
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) speaks to reporters after his meeting
with President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court Judge Merrick
Garland at the U.S. Capitol.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
First Read: The Primary Race Heads West
First Read is a morning briefing from Meet
the Press and the NBC Political Unit on the day's most important
political stories and why they matter.
The 2016 primary season heads to the West
The biggest story in America and the world is
the overseas terrorist attack that rocked Brussels, which certainly will
have political aftershocks at home and on the 2016 campaign trail. But
we begin with today's presidential nominating contests. A total of three
western states hold races today -- three on the Democratic side
(Arizona primary, Idaho caucuses, Utah caucuses), and two on the
Republican side (Arizona primary, Utah caucuses). While the public
polling has been sparse, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are favored in
Arizona, while Bernie Sanders has the advantage in Idaho and Utah, and
Ted Cruz is the favorite in the GOP contest in Utah. Three important
points to make about tonight: One, on the Republican side, Arizona is
winner take all (58 delegates), and Utah is proportional (40 delegates)
but winner take all if someone wins by more than 50%. Two, the
Democratic contests in Arizona (75 delegates up for grabs), Idaho (23),
and Utah (33) are proportional as always. And three, much of Arizona has
ALREADY voted before today due to the early voting. "Of the 1.2 million
eligible Maricopa County voters, about 894,000 requested early ballots
for the presidential preference election, as the primary is officially
known. So far, 54 percent or 464,067 have returned their ballots,
according to Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell," the Arizona Republic says.
"Pima County, the state's second-most-populated county, reported it
mailed 224,083 ballots to voters and as of Friday, 61 percent, or
136,946, had been returned."
Click here for the full article.
Sanders Floods Airwaves in This Week's Contests
Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign has spent
$3.4 million on advertisements in this week's contests, including $1.3
in Arizona (which holds its primary today) and $1.4 million in
Washington (which holds its caucuses on Saturday), according to
ad-spending data from SMG Delta.
By contrast, Hillary Clinton's campaign has spent $600,000 in just one state - Arizona.
Overall this campaign season, the Sanders campaign has outspent the Clinton camp in ads, $42 million to $36 million.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Cuomo Beefs Up Security at High-Profile Locations
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo
"The senseless attacks that struck the people of Belgium earlier today have left us all stunned and heartbroken. These were acts of pure evil that have claimed the lives of people who were doing nothing more than going about their days. My heart grieves for all those who have been impacted, and as we learn more about these attacks, New York will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the international community against terrorism – as the world has done for us in the past. And as we have seen time and again, when we are united, terror has never prevailed and never will. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I offer my thoughts and prayers to the people of Belgium on this tragic day."
"I have directed state law enforcement officials to step up security at high-profile locations around the state, including our airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems. Public safety is paramount, and I want the people of this state to know that we are working with all local and federal partners, remaining vigilant and taking all necessary measures to keep New Yorkers safe."
While there is no known credible threat to New York State at this time, and the federal threat level has not been elevated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the following actions are being taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure the public's safety:
The New York National Guard this morning activated its quick reaction force from Fort Hamilton to provide additional security detail at JFK International Airport. The National Guard has 400 service members on duty today in the NYC area. The Guard is adding an additional service members to transportation infrastructure hubs downstate, including JFK and LaGuardia airports.
The New York State Police will have State Troopers assigned to Penn and Grand Central Stations as well as the Queens Mid Town Tunnel and the George Washington Bridge.
The Port Authority is increasing its police presence at all of its airports, bridges, tunnels and the World Trade Center, as well as the PATH and Port Authority Bus Terminal.
The MTA is coordinating with New York State Police and the Port Authority to elevate its police presence at subway and rail stations in NYC, Westchester and Long Island.
The State is also in active coordination with local and federal partners, including the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and the New York City Police Department.
NYPD Increases Security in Response to Brussels Attack
The NYPD and other law enforcement
agencies increased security across New York City in response to
terrorist attacks in Brussels early Tuesday morning, though authorities
said there were no known credible threats to the nation's largest city.
Mayor de Blasio,
NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton and other top cops and FBI agents
outlined stepped up measures throughout the five boroughs following the
attacks in the Belgian capital that left 31 dead and more than 200
others hurt.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
6-Year-Old Girl Taken From Longtime California Foster Family for Being 1/64 Native American
A 6-year-old girl was removed from the
California home of the foster family she has lived with for four years
because she has a tiny sliver of Native American heritage — despite
resistance from her foster parents and their tens of thousands of
supporters.
Rusty and Summer Page of Santa Clarita,
California, have long fought to gain custody of Lexi, 6, who is 1.56
percent Choctaw Native American. That figure means that Lexi's home
placement is dictated by the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.
That law "seeks to keep American Indian children with American Indian families," according to its own language.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Russia Jails Ukrainian National Hero Nadiya Savchenko for 22 Years
MOSCOW — A Ukrainian army officer was convicted of murdering civilians on Tuesday by a Russian court.
The court ruled 34-year-old gunship pilot Nadiya
Savchenko coordinated artillery fire that killed two Russian
journalists during the conflict in eastern Ukraine in 2014.
The Iraq war veteran — who is considered a
national hero in Ukraine and has been described as the country's "Joan
of Arc" — was also found guilty of crossing a border illegally. She was
sentenced to 22 years in a Russian prison.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Mormon Missionaries From Utah Among Belgian Bombing Survivors
They had just dropped off a fellow missionary at
the Brussels Airport on Tuesday when an explosion ripped through the
building.
In a sickening flash, three Mormon missionaries were badly hurt in the latest terror attack to hit Europe.
The three — all from Utah — were identified by the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints as Elder Richard Norby, 66, of Lehi; Elder
Joseph Empey, 20, of Santa Clara; and Elder Mason Wells, 19, of Sandy.
"He had only been in Brussels for six weeks,"
Wells' weeping mother, Kymberley Wells, told NBC News. "We found out
when we were called early this morning. We don't know enough about his
injuries yet."
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Iranians Exasperated as U.S. Sanctions Frustrate Deal Making
Reuters, 22/03 16:01 CET
By Tom Arnold and Jonathan Saul
DUBAI/LONDON (Reuters) – More
than two months after international nuclear sanctions on Iran were
supposed to have ended, frustration is deepening that few trade deals
are going through as foreign banks shy away from processing transactions
with the country.
Iranian hopes of rapidly ending the country’s economic
isolation are fading as particularly European banks – some of which have
already been hit by hit huge U.S. fines for sanctions busting – fear
falling foul of the many other restrictions imposed by Washington that
remain in force.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the
United States of foot-dragging following the official implementation in
January of a nuclear deal with major powers.
“The Americans have not acted on their promises and
(only) removed the sanctions on paper,” he said in a televised address
on Sunday, complaining that international financial transactions faced
problems because banks “fear the Americans”.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
Islamic State Clash with Turkish Troops at Iraqi Base – Military Sources
Reuters, 22/03 16:16 CET
ANKARA (Reuters) – Islamic State militants
attacked the Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq on Tuesday and
Turkish troops stationed there retaliated, military sources said.
Turkey deployed soldiers to northern Iraq in December,
citing heightened security risks near Bashiqa, where its soldiers have
been training an Iraqi militia to fight Islamic State militants. Baghdad
objected to the deployment.
The military sources said the Turkish army hit Islamic State targets from north of the camp after the attack.
Click here for summary.
Source: Euronews
Brussels Attacks Raise Questions About Global Airport Security
Reuters, 22/03 16:20 CET
By Victoria Bryan
BERLIN (Reuters) – Two
explosions in the departure hall of Brussels Airport on Tuesday prompted
other countries to tighten airport security and raised questions about
how soon passengers should be screened when entering terminals.
Fourteen people were killed at Zaventem airport and a
bomb attack on the Brussels metro system killed 20 others, public
broadcaster VRT said, forcing the city into lockdown.
Belgium’s federal prosecutor said one of the blasts at
the airport, which serves over 23 million passengers a year, was
probably caused by a suicide bomber, echoing a deadly attack in the
arrival hall of Moscow’s Domodedovo airport in 2011.
Security is tight at European airports, with passengers
and their bags undergoing checks for weapons and explosives before being
allowed onto planes, but those checks typically take place only after
check-in.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
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